Councillor Thiessen attended his first in-person Alberta Seniors Communities & Housing Association meeting, where the state of housing for seniors was discussed. The Municipal Curling Bonspiel was a great event; thanks to all organizers. He attended the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony, where more flags than normal were retired. A conference was held for the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance regarding water management in Alberta's Boreal Forest and river courses in the North Peace region; this conference was very educational.
Councillor Blackmore took part in a zoom call with Alberta Health Services and Peace Health Advisory Council regarding the Indigenous Support Line, which is run by AHS in the North Zone. She attended the Grande Prairie Construction Association Annual General Meeting, where concerns were raised regarding trades training in the City, along with a shortage of building trades and the struggle to find workers; the Association will be attending a future Council meeting to discuss these issues. Thanks to the Grande Prairie New Horizon Co-op for the Family Day events at the Eastlink Centre, which was very well attended.
Councillor O'Connor enjoyed the FCM conference in Ottawa, and highlighted the session regarding retrofitting buildings to reduce the carbon footprint. Council was able to meet with many federal ministers during this conference; kudos to Administration for arranging those meetings. He attended the Passionate Hearts awards and the Alberta Winter Games one year out event. The Family Day events at the Eastlink Centre were well attended, and he enjoyed representing Council at the Pow Wow event.
Councillor Berg enjoyed the FCM conference in Ottawa and noted that it is very valuable to see what other communities are doing to make their areas more sustainable and learn about new grants. It was great to meet the federal ministers and participate in a variety of meetings, as well as being an advocate for the City.
Councillor Pilat thanked Administration for all the events lined up at the FCM conference, which was a great event. The last few weeks have been very busy with Deputy Mayor duties, including bringing greetings at the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance conference. He attended the Firefighter awards, Passionate Hearts awards, an Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee meeting, and the Grande Prairie Airport Commission meeting, where financial statements were discussed. He also attended the Alberta Winter Games one year out event, the Family Day event at the Eastlink centre, and a Grande Prairie Public Library Board meeting. Congratulations and good luck to the Grande Prairie participants in the Canada Games.
Councillor Bressey attended many events already mentioned. He brought his kids to the Family Day events at the Eastlink Centre and was happy to see how full the facility was. He attended an Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee meeting and noted that the regional relationships are doing well. He attended events for the AB Munis Audit Finance Committee.
Councillor O'Toole would like to thank MP Chris Warkentin and his colleagues for welcoming Council to Ottawa for the FCM Conference. He attended a Community Futures meeting which provided some education for new members. The Office of Persons with Disabilities has been discussing upcoming legislation. He attended the Passionate Hearts awards; congratulations to all award winners. He attended a Police Service Model Review, the Firefighter awards, and the Family Day events at the Eastlink Centre.
Councillor Bosch attended her first FCM conference and noted that it was nice to build relationships and a pleasure to meet everyone. The conference was very interesting and important to Council. She took a special interest in an organization called Food Mesh, as well as the Toonies for Tummies program. She enjoyed the information on procurement processes regarding sustainability, construction waste, and geothermal energy. She attended the Passionate Hearts awards and a Police Service Model Review, which has been ongoing with lots of research and discussion.
Mayor Clayton attended a few meetings to introduce new Chief Officers to many members of industry. She had a call with the Mayor of Red Deer regarding the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program. She participated in a Community Rail Advocacy Alliance Group call. The Growing the North Conference will begin tonight; significant attendance is expected. She brought greetings at the Passionate Hearts awards; congratulations to all winners and nominees. She participated in a prize draw for the local UPS store. She attended an Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee meeting, the Mid-Sized Cities Mayor's Caucus, and the Alberta Winter Games one year out celebration. She met with the Grande Prairie Public School Division to discuss the Avondale Area Redevelopment Plan. A celebration is planned in September for the 80th anniversary of D Company. She met with the Peace Country Wolves Athletic Club regarding work in the Avondale area, as well as an update on provincial track and field events. Thanks to the organizers of the Family Day events at the Eastlink Centre. The Odyssey House is planning some gaming events. She attended a meeting of the Grande Prairie Airport Commission, where discussion was held on collaborative advocacy items. A meeting is scheduled next month between the Commission and Council. She met with Minister Savage, the Alberta Minister of Environment, to discuss opportunities in our region. Thank you to everyone for all their hard work at the FCM conference.